Musical stars came out in abundance on Saturday night as the city of Liverpool hosted the first ever Liverpool Music Awards.
Musical stars came out in abundance on Saturday night as the city of Liverpool hosted the first ever Liverpool Music Awards.
The ceremony specifically designed to celebrate the talent of local musicians, producers and the achievements of businesses within Merseyside, was a huge success, and already next years awards are rumoured to be bigger and better.
The sparkling event took place in the heart of the city at the beautifully designed, The Dome Grand Central. Stars that lined the red carpet included Spice Girl Melanie C, boy band Lawson, Rebecca Ferguson, MOBO award winner Esco Williams and X Factor star Craig Colton.
The judges and presenters for the awards were also significant to the Liverpool theme as they themselves play a part in the music industry and were either from the city or had musical connections.
Judges included BBC Radio 2 presenter Janice Long, Liverpool Echo music editor Jade Wright, Executive Director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events Simon Glinn and Radio City DJ and presenter Lee Butler.
Amongst the presenters were Frankie Goes to Hollywood, DJ and Producer Mike Di Scala and The Wombats.
As everyone took to their seats compere for the evening, Janice Long spoke fondly of Youth Music, the official charity partner of the awards.
Youth Music’s aim is simple; to transform the lives of children and young people through music. To help them discover their own potential and encourage them to unlock that, to build up confidence within themselves to make the younger generation the musical future of tomorrow.
Kicking off the evening was Craig Colton and soul band Manukah, with vocals from LadyVibez aka Lauren Spink. Performing two tracks, one of which was Craig’s new song ‘Give Up Your Love’ all eyes were on Craig as he proved there is life after X Factor. With outstanding vocals there was an amazed silence throughout the audience.
When he and Manuka began to collaborate it was an ideal match, the sensual soulful voice of Lauren Spink complimented Craig well as his voice had tones similar to Maverick Sabre and the roof was raised with applause.
There were thirteen awards in total and amongst the winners were Ali Ingle (left) who picked up Male Artist of the Year, Single of the year went to The Tea Street Band. A popular choice amongst the audience was DJ of the year which was awarded to Lee Butler. Rebecca Ferguson picked up Female of the year, live music venue went to The Kazimier. 3 Beat were awarded Record Label of the year and Management team of the year was won by Charlotte Bowers.
The award itself was very distinct, gold in colour and similar to a scroll and an Olympic torch.
Another act that received an electric welcome on stage was local rnb singer, Esco Williams. Esco won the Unsung award at this years MOBO’s held in Liverpool. His calmness and smooth hip hop vibes makes him definitely one to watch for 2013.
Stereo Electric Mistress brought a fresh up to date sound to the awards. With a keytar in hand and a song written about the Facebook era this band brought a light hearted yet extremely talented edge to the night.
Closing the show was boy band Lawson who were joined on stage by Merseyside musician Katie Taylor to sing a cover of Lady Antebellum – Need you now. Lead singer of the band, Andy Brown sang side by side with Katie, whose spine tingling voice reached over the entire band.
Lawson also performed ‘Reaching Out’ which had the vast majority of the audience on their feet to celebrate the quality of acts that has been put before them for the evening.
Special thanks and a huge round of applause was given to Founder and Director of the awards, Ellie Phillips, who had the vision and ambition to put the night together and who looks forward musically to the next twelve months, so the celebration can be planned again.
